Global Clean Energy Investment Stayed Strong in 2018

Jan 30, 2019

Total global clean energy investment was $332.1 billion in 2018 according to the latest survey by Bloomberg New Energy Finance just released. That was down 8% from the record $361.7 billion in 2017, with much of the difference attributed to (1) the continued reduction in solar PV panel costs and (2) government-imposed restraints on the construction of new solar projects in China. These figures include all project financing, public share offerings, corporate investments and venture capital.

Global venture capital and private equity investment in clean energy jumped 127% to $9.2 billion, the highest since 2010, with a big shift toward electric vehicle-related deals. There were 8 such deals in China alone.

Total US clean energy investment hit a new record high of 64.2 million in 2018, up from %57.6 billion last year. The prior peak was in 2011 at 62.3 billion, with a slump to $44.6 billion in 2013.

China was once again the leader in total investment with $100.1 billion but that was down 32% due to the drop in value of the solar project commitments.

You can read a summary of the new report here or download a copy of the full report for more details.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Gary Simon is the Chair of CleanStarts Board. A seasoned energy executive and entrepreneur with 45 years of experience in business, government, and non-profits.